Abstract: A hearing apparatus is provided with a housing including a first housing mounting element and a control element that is mounted rotatably in the first housing mounting element via a control mounting element. Furthermore the housing has at least one second housing mounting element so that the control element can be optionally mounted rotatably in the first housing mounting element or in the second housing mounting element. Thus the control element can be actuated in a desired position.

Abstract: A hearing instrument includes a microphone for converting sound into an electric audio signal, a signal processor unit coupled to the microphone, the signal processor unit configured for operating in a plurality of states that include at least a first state and a second state, wherein the signal processor unit is configured for automatically switching at least between the first state and the second state according to a switching strategy, a speaker coupled to the signal processor unit, and a user interface that is configured to receive a user feedback regarding an automatic switching between the first state and the second state, wherein the user interface is communicatively connected to the signal processor unit and is configured to provide at least one control signal to the signal processor unit in response to the user feedback, wherein the signal processor unit is configured to receive the control signal in a predetermined input period upon the automatic switching between the first state and the second stat

Abstract: This disclosure relates to fitting and adjusting hearing assistance devices, including but not limited to hearing aids, using multiple programmers. A method is provided for using multiple programmers for hearing assistance devices. The method includes automatically detecting the programmers using fitting software on a personal computer. The method also includes communicating with each of the programmers simultaneously using the software to automatically detect hearing assistance devices compatible with the software. In certain variations if hearing assistance devices are detected on more than one programmer, a user is prompted to select a programmer. In certain variations, if hearing assistance devices are detected on one programmer, a fitting session is initiated for the detected hearing assistance devices.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a casing configured to fit behind an ear of a user's head and against a side of the user's head. The hearing aid further includes a first proximity sensor associated with the casing and configured to generate a first signal that is proportional to a proximity of the casing to the ear and includes a processor coupled to the first proximity sensor and configured to select an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes in response to the first signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adapting a hearing aid with at least one input converter, a signal processing device and an output converter by using a genetic feature of the wearer to whom the hearing aid is to be adapted. Depending on the genetic feature, at least one adaptable parameter is adapted by the signal processing device. The invention further relates to a hearing device system which can be adapted to the hearing device wearer as a function of a genetic feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital hearing aid, which models the structures of external ear canals, sizes and shape characteristics of which differ between respective persons, obtains resonance gains generated due to the structural characteristics of the external ear canals, and performs digitization and signal processing to allow the resonance gains to be used as the gain factors of the digital hearing aid, and thus applies the gain factors to digital signal processing units. Further, the present invention proposes a gain obtainment unit capable of taking both resonance gains, generated due to the structural characteristics, and gains, obtained through a hearing test, into account, thus reducing the time required for gain fitting and possible errors, and optimizing the performance of the digital hearing aid for each individual.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless communication can include a first unit configured to synchronously transmit a first digital audio packet redundantly in at least a first dedicated slot and a second dedicated slot over a time period, and a second unit configured to receive wireless transmissions from the first unit. In certain embodiments, the second unit does not listen for a transmission in the second dedicated slot if the first digital audio packet is received in the first dedicated slot. In certain embodiments, the units are encoded with a group code that identifies group members, such that the units only receive data packets transmitted by group members with the same group code.

Abstract: Sound quality and speech comprehensibility are to be improved for hearing device wearers when watching television. Provision is made for this purpose to record acoustic signals at a recording site on a data medium. The acoustic signals are recorded simultaneously with a first microphone as a first recording. The data medium is played back on an individual playback device in an individual environment. Here the signal played back from the data medium is re-recorded as a second recording with a second microphone. The two recordings are connected to each other, subtracted in particular, and the result is used to adjust a hearing device program. It is thus possible to take into account individual acoustic environmental conditions in the hearing device program.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stand-alone microphone test system for a hearing device, comprising a hearing device having at least one microphone, a sound source in communication with the hearing device, wherein, when in operation, the sound source receives a signal from the hearing device, and a mold oriented to hold the hearing device and the sound source such that output from the sound source may be directed to the at least one microphone. There is also provided a stand-alone microphone test method for a hearing device, comprising providing a test signal/sequence output to a sound source/receiver, providing a reference signal to a comparator, receiving output from the sound source/receiver in a microphone, transmitting the received signal to the comparator, comparing the received signal with the reference signal, and providing a test result.

Abstract: This hearing aid fitting device (1) comprises a client data storage section (10) that stores a plurality of hearing ability data and hearing adjustment result data for each of hearing ability data, a close user determination section (11) to which the client data storage section (10) and a hearing ability input section (12) are connected on the input side, a clustering section (13) that is connected to the output side of the close user determination section (11), a representative characteristic determination section (14) that is connected to the output side of the clustering section (13), an initial adjustment candidate selector (15) that is connected to the input side of the representative characteristic determination section (14), and a fine tuner (16) that is connected to the output side of the representative characteristic determination section (15).

Abstract: The training of a hearing apparatus in respect of an individual adjustment is to be developed in a more user-friendly manner. To this end, provision is firstly made to automatically classify a hearing situation, to adjust a parameter of the signal processing facility of the hearing apparatus and to automatically learn the adjusted parameters for the current hearing situation. A temporal monitoring of the steps “classifying” and “adjusting” is however carried out here and the automatic learning is only triggered if the classified hearing situation and the adjustment of the parameters have not changed over a predetermined time period. This not only simplifies the training, but also enables a more rapid training by means of automatically triggered training events.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to make using a hearing device and in particular a hearing aid more comfortable and more effective for the user. To this end the setting of a portable hearing device is to be checked. First the acoustic data of a sound from the environment of the hearing device is recorded and/or determined simultaneously with the setting of the hearing device with at least one setting value. The setting of the hearing device is evaluated against the chronologically matching, recorded acoustic data in the hearing device using at least one predeterminable criterion. If necessary, the hearing device outputs an appropriate message. By this means a hearing aid wearer can, for example, be alerted to contact an acoustician, if the settings he made on the hearing aid are not effective.

Abstract: The spontaneous acceptance by a hearing device wearer in respect of a new hearing device is to be improved. To this end, a method for adjusting the amplification of a hearing device to an individual hearing device wearer is proposed, with which a target amplification for the hearing device wearer is determined on the basis of his/her hearing loss. Data relating to the gender of the hearing device wearer is provided in order to improve the adjustment. The target amplification is then also determined on the basis of the gender of the hearing device wearer. With the gender-specific target amplification, it is possible for instance to take account of the fact that women exhibit a more sensitive perception for average voice levels than men, thereby allowing the target amplification to correspondingly drop much lower.

Abstract: Fitting a sound processing device for an individual is automated using a computer. Fitting and customisation is carried out using natural sounds without specialised audiometric equipment or audiological expertise. Software for this purpose is downloaded from an internet portal. The computer plays back acoustic signals, and obtains user input reflecting the user's perceptions of the acoustic signals, from which a hearing map is derived, representing the user's hearing. An algorithm updates the device fitting based on the hearing map. Also provided is pre-sale virtual device fitting, whereby a virtual signal processing path is established in the computer, reflecting a signal processing function of a sound processing device of interest to the user. An algorithm updates parameters of the virtual processing path, based on the hearing map. Audio signals passed through the virtual processing path are played back to the user, giving the user an acoustic indication of future device performance.

Abstract: A system including at least one system microphone, a processor connected to computer readable memory and the at least one system microphone, a measurement microphone connected to the processor, at least one audio speaker, a signal generator connected to the processor and configured to produce signals from the at least one audio speaker for both the measurement microphone and the at least one system microphone to measure the response of the at least one audio speaker, and a device manager application executable from the computer readable memory and configured to perform the steps of calibrating the at least one audio speaker with the measurement microphone using the signals of the signal generator based on the response of the at least one audio speaker thereby creating at least one calibrated audio speaker and calibrating the at least one system microphone with the at least one calibrated audio speaker using the signals of the signal generator.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for adjusting parameters for binaural hearing assistance devices. A graphical user interface (GUI) control is provided for adjusting at least one parameter for at least one hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the control is indicative of status of at least one parameter for at least one device. When a pointer, controlled by a mouse or other selecting device, is placed over the control, the control expands. In various applications the control expands to display options for adjusting at least one parameter for at least one device. In some applications, the control provides options to adjust at least one parameter of a left and a right device individually.

Abstract: An auditory prosthesis (14, 14?) is adapted for compensation of hearing loss and for sound pressure determination. During calibration of the sound field to be used during fine-tuning of the auditory prosthesis, the auditory prosthesis is positioned at an observation point in the sound field, and the sound pressure at the auditory prosthesis is adjusted based on determinations of sound pressures performed with the auditory prosthesis. Thus, the need for dedicated calibrated sound pressure determining equipment is eliminated. The invention provides an auditory prosthesis, a method and a system for calibration of a sound field.

Abstract: A hearing aid (22) having a microphone (1), a processor (53) and an output transducer (12), is adapted for obtaining an estimate of a sound environment, determining an estimate of the speech intelligibility according to the sound environment estimate, and for adapting the transfer function of the hearing aid processor in order to enhance the speech intelligibility estimate. The method according to the invention achieves an adaptation of the processor transfer function suitable for optimizing the speech intelligibility in a particular sound environment. Means for obtaining the sound environment estimate and for determining the speech intelligibility estimate may be incorporated in the hearing aid processor, or they may be wholly or partially implemented in an external processing means (56), adapted for communicating data to the hearing aid processor via an appropriate link.

Abstract: A car-use extended device is applied to electrically communicate to a car-use audio device to form a car-use control system, so as to simulate a user-to-machine operation interface for controlling an electronic computing device installed with an operation system to execute at least one preset assignment. The car-use audio device comprises an operation interface comprising a trigger element and at least one working signal input element. The extended device comprises a micro control unit comprising an interface-function setting program. When the trigger element is triggered, a triggering signal is generated and sent to the micro control unit, and the interface-function setting program is provided to define the preset assignment that the working signal input element represents. Hereafter, when the working signal input element is triggered, the micro control unit outputs a working signal to the electronic computing device, so as to make the electronic computing device execute the preset assignment.

Abstract: In a control arrangement for hearing aids or for control units coupled to hearing aids, a strain gauge is mechanically coupled to an elastically deformable or displaceable portion of the hearing aid or of the control unit coupled thereto and undergoes an elastic deformation under the influence of an actuating force input by a user, whereby the strain gauge undergoes a variation of one of its electrical values which variation is detected by a controller which provides a control signal which serves for switching between different operation modes of the hearing aid or of the control unit coupled to the hearing aid.

Abstract: Methods and devices to compensate for individual hearing loss when listening to audio systems are described. An individualized frequency configuration is applied to the output of an audio system wherein the volume of audio signals at one or more frequencies is adjusted to compensate for a user's hearing deficit. The devices are operable to work with multiple users.

Abstract: In a hearing aid (100), a control device (4) comprises a transmission characteristic calculator (18), a correction characteristic calculator (21), and a correction component (17). The transmission characteristic calculator (18) calculates an at-fitting transmission characteristic Gf (?) on the basis of correction-use sound data and first sound data produced by collection at an ear canal microphone (10) of correction-use sound outputted from a receiver (3) during fitting. The transmission characteristic calculator (18) calculates an in-usage transmission characteristic Gu (?) on the basis of correction-use sound data and third sound data produced by collection at the ear canal microphone (10) of correction-use sound outputted from the receiver (3) according to user operation after fitting. The correction characteristic calculator (21) calculates a correction characteristic H (?) on the basis of the at-fitting transmission characteristic Gf (?) and the in-usage transmission characteristic Gu (?).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid having a sound receiver and a sound generator. The hearing aid also has an audio signal unit that is functionally linked to the sound generator and has a tone signal generator for generating a tone signal as a function of a trigger signal and of a generation parameter which represents a frequency that can be perceived by a human ear. The hearing aid also has a memory, connected to the tone signal generator, for storing the generation parameter. The audio signal unit changes the generation parameter stored in the memory, generates a trigger signal for each tone signal requiring to be generated, sends said trigger signal to the tone signal generator, and sends the generated tone signal to the sound generator.

Abstract: Provisions to charge the battery of a hearing apparatus without having to remove the battery from the housing are provided. A hearing apparatus separates charging contacts, which are disposed on the surface of the housing and serve to charge the battery, from the battery and to connect the battery to an amplifier circuit, when the battery is not being charged. Otherwise, when the battery is being charged, the hearing apparatus connects the charging contacts to the battery and separates the battery from the amplifier circuit. This double switching function means that the amplifier circuit is protected from charging power surges and also in the normal operating state of the hearing apparatus electrochemical reactions at the charging contacts are avoided.

Abstract: An adjustable hearing assistive device that automatically configures to the hearing needs of a user. The adjustable hearing assistive device can be in the form of a hearing aid that includes a presence activated sensor adapted to receive setting data, hearing processing circuitry adapted to receive sound and manipulate an audio signal, and a controller adapted to configure the processing circuitry in response to the setting data so that sound output to a user is in accordance with the hearing needs of the user. The setting data can include settings for a default mode of operation or temporary settings for use when the user is in a particular environment. Setting data can be provided by a hearing profile tag in the form of an RFID tag and the presence activated sensor can be an RFID reader.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes: a first microphone configured to generate a first input signal from an input sound; a second microphone configured to generate a second input signal from the input sound; a signal processing unit configured to generate an output signal from the first input signal and the second input signal; and a receiver configured to play an output sound from the output signal. The signal processing unit determines time responses of the first input signal and the second input signal based on a contact sound generated when the hearing aid is contacted in a predetermined time period, and distinguishes a plurality of settings of the hearing aid and changes the setting based on the time responses.

Abstract: A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by operating a single digital rocker switch on the hearing aid housing to switch from one program to the next. When a preferred program is active, the user can press and hold an up control or down control of the digital rocker switch for an extended time to select the currently active program. The user can then use the digital rocker switch to adjust the audio gain for the selected program. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed by operating the up and down controls of the digital rocker switch. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide inter-channel level differences ICLD related to audio signals for hearing aids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recording information in a hearing device and/or in a recording unit at least temporally operationally connected to the hearing device. The method consists in that a point in time of the recording and/or a recording frequency as well as the information to be recorded, as data and/or parameters and/or adjustments of the hearing device are adjusted freely or are programmable, respectively. Furthermore, a hearing device is described that is suitable to use the method. By the present invention, a multitude of the parameters being adjustable in a hearing device can be checked or surveyed all together or selectively in real, i.e. actually existing acoustic environments in order to optimally adjust or adapt the hearing device afterwards, that means after the analysis by the fitter, for example.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly adjusting one or more hearing devices (1, . . . , 3) with a central unit (4) is presented, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a wireless network (6) wirelessly connecting the central unit (4) to hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), which are responsive to said wireless network (6), detecting said hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), identifying one or more of the detected hearing devices (1, . . . , 3, selecting one or more of the identified hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), establishing a wireless link from the central unit (4) to at least one of the identified hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), and adjusting the at least one identified hearing device (1, . . . , 3). Therewith, an audiologist is able to unambiguously assign one or two hearing devices (1, . . . , 3) in a fitting session, even if multiple hearing devices are within the range of the wireless network (6) or wireless transmitter, respectively.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To easily associate the parameters representing the acoustic characteristic of a hearing aid with the audibility of the hearing aid user, shorten the time for adjusting the hearing aid, and improve the accuracy of the adjustment of the parameter. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] By applying a two-dimensional matrix for changing the acoustic parameters of the hearing aid, a person adjusting the hearing aid can easily change the acoustic parameters depending on the audibility of the hearing aid user, the accuracy of the adjustment of the acoustic parameters is improved, and the period of time for adjusting the hearing aid is shortened.

Abstract: A data storage system includes a network interface configurable to couple to a network for receiving data related to an acoustic environment from a device and a memory for storing a plurality of environmental filters. The data storage system further includes a processor coupled to the memory and the network interface, the processor configurable to analyze the data and selectively provide one or more of the plurality of environmental filters to the device based on the analysis of the data.

Abstract: Data is exchanged between a hearing device and a connectable unit. The data, such as an identification code, may be read from the unit. Data may also be output to the connectable unit. The connectable unit may include a random access memory. Furthermore, the connectable unit may include a sequence control element.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of automatically monitoring and detecting indications indicative of a forthcoming event concerning hearing systems; if such an indication is detected, retrieving identification data identifying at least one device of the hearing system concerned, referred to as specific device, or a user of said hearing system concerned, referred to as specific user; and using said identification data for retrieving further data related to said specific device as device data or related to said specific user as user data. The method and the corresponding system can be used for adjusting said specific hearing system or other support actions, like dispensing consumables for said specific hearing system, or preparatory actions, like launching a suitable fitting program or loading audiological data related to the user.

Abstract: A device includes a network interface to communicate with a communication network and a microphone to convert sounds into an electrical signal. The device further includes a processor coupled to the microphone and the network interface. The processor is configured to process the electrical signal to generate acoustic data based on the electrical signal and to provide the acoustic data to the network interface for transmission to a data storage device.

Abstract: The data of a hearing device system with two hearing devices are to be available in a more comfortable manner. To this end, provision is made for each of the two hearing devices to be equipped with a data acquisition facility, in order to acquire internal signal processing data and/or external data. The two data acquisition facilities and/or the hearing devices are designed to establish a wireless communication link. A synchronized data acquisition is possible in both hearing devices with the aid of this link. This binaural wireless data logging dispenses with the need for comparing the recording times (synchronization). A division of the recording onto two hearing devices enables storage capacity to be saved.

Abstract: The invention regards a method for processing audio signals whereby an audio signal is captured, digitized and processed in the digital domain by a digital signal processing unit or DSP, and where a processed output signal from the digital signal processing unit is converted to the analog domain and served at a transducer for providing a sensation of sound. The DSP unit is provided with mean for performing at least two different digital algorithms which delivers each their processed signal having each their non identical time delay and further the most rewarding sound signal is chosen and served at the output transducer.

Abstract: An especially small operating device for a hearing aid, but one which is nevertheless simple for a user to actuate manually, which still enables a multiplicity of different operating functions in a simple and clear manner is provided. The use of a fingerprint sensor is provided for this purpose, whereby different operating functions are assigned to the individual fingers of the user. Depending on the finger with which the user actuates the fingerprint sensor, different operating functions are initiated.

Abstract: A method and device for activating a media player enables efficient and convenient access to media files. The method includes determining that a wireless communication device (100) is not operatively coupled to a network. An operative coupling of a speaker system (205) to the wireless communication device (100) is detected. The media player is then activated automatically in response to detecting the operative coupling of the speaker system (205) to the wireless communication device (100).

Abstract: This hearing aid system comprises a first hearing aid (1) and the second hearing aid (2) mounted on the right ear. These each have a microphone (101) for inputting ambient sound, a hearing aid processor (102) for subjecting sound inputted from the microphone (101) to hearing aid processing, a speaker (103) for outputting sound that has undergone the hearing aid processing, a communication component (107) for performing wireless communication, and a battery (104) for supplying electrical power to the microphone (101), the hearing aid processor (102), the communication component (107), and the speaker (103). The first hearing aid (1) and the second hearing aid (2) have a battery charge detector (105) for detecting the remaining charge of the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods to provide improved control of hearing aids and hearing aid applications. In one embodiment, a hearing assistance device includes a microphone, a receiver for playing sound to a wearer, a processor connected to the microphone and the receiver, and a radio connected to the processor. The processor is adapted to enter a low power or standby mode upon receipt of a predetermined command from one or more of the microphone or the radio. The processor is further adapted to exit a low power or standby mode upon receipt of a predetermined command from one or more of the microphone or the radio. Other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

Abstract: A circuit for a hearing aid includes an interface including a contact element for receiving a connector. The interface is configured to provide produce an electrical signal when the connector contacts the contact element. The circuit further includes a logic circuit coupled to the interface for receiving the electrical signal and configured to detect the connector in response to receiving the electrical signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods to detect signals connected to a direct audio input port of a hearing assistance device. According to one embodiment, a hearing assistance device includes a processor and a direct audio input (DAI) port including a signal line connected to the processor. The DAI port is configured to connect to an external device, and the processor is programmed to detect audio signals of interest on the signal line and to process the audio signals of interest when detected as programmed. Other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone to convert sound into an electrical signal and a processor coupled to the microphone. The processor is configured to apply a selected one of a sequence of incremental hearing corrections to the electrical signal to produce a modulated output signal to at least partially compensate for a hearing impairment of a user.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes: a sound collection unit configured to collect a surrounding sound; a sound output unit configured to output a sound; and a main body having a shape that can be attached to an ear. The main body includes: a hearing aid processing unit configured to perform hearing aid processing for the surrounding sound collected by the sound collection unit; an attaching determination unit configured to determine whether the main body is attached to the ear based on the surrounding sound; a specific sound generation unit configured to generate a predetermined signal; and a selection unit configured to select one of the sound subjected to the hearing aid processing by the hearing aid processing unit and the sound generated by the specific sound generation unit based on a determination result of the attaching determination unit and to output the selected sound to the sound output unit.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing device (1) with a transfer function describing input/output behavior of the hearing device (1) is presented. The method comprising the steps of: recording a sound signal by an input transducer (2) of the hearing device (1); storing at least one of the sound signal and characteristics of the sound signal in a memory unit (4, 8, 11, 15); providing a data base (11, 15) comprising at least media samples; comparing the at least one of the sound signal and its characteristics with at least some of the media samples or characteristics thereof, respectively, to obtain a qualitative measure for at least some of the media samples with respect to the sound signal or its characteristics; selecting the media sample having the best qualitative measure; and adjusting the transfer function on the basis of the selected media sample.

Abstract: The hearing device is adapted to automatically requesting an establishment of a communication connection to at least one hearing device support provider. The hearing device support provider may comprise a person knowledgeable in hearing devices, at the hearing device seller and/or at the hearing device manufacturer, and it may comprise a computer with a suitable software. Said automatically requesting said establishment of said communication connection will usually happen, when at least one change in internal status of the hearing device occurs, like a failure or a memory overflow or the upcome of a repeatedly occurring event. The hearing device may by itself decide upon the type of change in internal status, which hearing device support provider to connect to. Typically, at least one long-range communication connection is involved.

Abstract: A method of operating a hearing prosthesis. The hearing prosthesis includes memory and a clock and is configured to deliver stimuli to a user. The method includes determining the stimuli, with the hearing prosthesis, in response to a sound signal and at least in part by using one or more adjustable parameters stored in the memory. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a request to adjust at least one of the parameters, and determining whether to make the requested adjustment by reference to an amount of time, as determined by said clock, or a function based around an amount of time since a predefined event.

Abstract: A hearing aid is described. The hearing aid includes a control surface and a control element. The hearing aid further includes a plurality of components in addition to the control surface and the control element. A portion of the control surface is configured to engage a portion of the control element. The control surface at least partially circumscribes at least one of the plurality of components.

Abstract: A method for fitting a hearing aid (1) comprises the steps of recording the audiogram of the hearing aid user (6), selecting a fitting setting, using the hearing aid (1) for a period of time, and logging data representing information on the sound environment in which the hearing aid is being used. The method comprises the steps of providing a computer based questionnaire on a first computer (2), said questionnaire comprising questions directed to the hearing aid users subjective experience with using the hearing aid, correlating questionnaire data with logged data, and selecting and, implementing a new hearing aid setting into the hearing aid. The invention further provides a method for optimizing the function of a hearing aid, and a computer program product.